spiral

1a shape or design, consisting of a continuous curved line that winds around a central point, with each curve further away from the centreThe birds circled in a slow spiral above the house.A spiral of smoke rose from the chimney.

2a continuous harmful increase or decrease in something, that gradually gets faster and fasterthe destructive spiral of violence in the inner citiesmeasures to control the inflationary spiralthe upward/downward spiral of salesthe vicious spiral of rising wages and prices

.Extra examplesThe economy continued its downward spiral.There is a risk that the policy may trigger an inflationary spiral.to halt the vicious downward spiral of drug abuseHow can we halt the destructive spiral of violence in the inner cities?The book gives a harrowing account of a downward spiral of drink, drugs and despair.The country is caught in a vicious spiral of rising wages and prices.